Where do you have the most digital clutter

2. Delete duplicates

When you can't find a file that you downloaded and created, do you download or recreate it?

Duplicate files can make searching for information much harder - which version is the correct, most up to date version?

Occasionally I've made a mistake and imported photos from my camera twice. This was made worse when an iPhoto upgrade duplicated my entire library - goodbye disk space!

Luckily, there are many tools available for most operation systems that automatically find duplicates. However, do go through the list and manually delete the duplicate files, because these applications can make mistakes!

3. Purge unwanted data

My pro-photographer mentor advised me to delete the blurry or poorly shot photos before importing, and keep only the best after processing!

I wish I had heard this advice when I first got my digital camera - my photo library is currently almost unmanageable.

Digital music: Don't like some of the MP3s you imported? Have a huge collection of podcasts that you don't have time to listen too? Delete them!

Ebooks: Don't collect ebooks for the sake of 'completeness', or just because they were free. If you don't like an ebook or audiobook, or never plan to read it, delete it!

Tip:GoodReads is a useful site where you can track what you have read - check your list before re-downloading a book you hated!

Bookmarks: Websites quickly go out of date and disappear. Every couple of months go through your bookmarks or favorites list, and delete any links that are broken, or that you don't refer to regularly.

Tip for Hubpage authors: Every few months, check for and delete duplicate images in your photo collection. I often find I upload a photo, but then don't feel it works. If I don't delete it immediately, it clogs up my photo album!

Digital diets - good for sanity!

4. Clear up your online presence

Social networking is becoming necessary for business, as well as a good way to keep in touch with friends and family members.

Keep work and personal social circles as separate as possible.

Minimize your friends lists to those you want to stay in touch with.

Purge unused apps and leave groups that you aren't active in.

Delete accounts on websites and forums that you don't use.

5. After purging, organize your data

It's easier to organize a smaller collection of data, than to organize the lot, then delete. So, purge and declutter first, then organize.

Big blogs - digital declutterers

Set up a system for storing your information, and stick to the system when any new files, photos, music, etc. is added to your collection.

Keep work and personal files and contact information separate.

Use a consistent naming scheme for both folders and files - it makes finding information much easier.

When a new file is created or imported, store it in its place immediately - don't just drop it onto the desktop.

6. Regular maintenance

Spend some time each month (or each week if you accumulate digital clutter quickly) to do mini-purges, sort data into their appropriate folders and avoid your digital collections from becoming overwhelming once more.

Tip: Put a reminder into your electronic calendar, if you are prone to forgetting or procrastinating like me!

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Comments 9 comments

I keep planning on doing a clean up of photo's emails and documents on my computer, laptop and iPhone. I think after reading your hub I'll get to it right now. Thanks for the inspiration and Happy New Year.

nifwlseirff 3 years ago from Villingen Schwenningen, Germany Author

Thanks Susan - glad to be an inspiration! I've scheduled in a big photo clean-up (of all my old photos and scans), when I have a day free next week (and need to process some newer photos). It's something that's been bothering me for a while now. Have a lovely New Year!

Anamika S 3 years ago from Mumbai - Maharashtra, India

Awesome Hub! I am in the process of cleaning up my digital clutter and found a lot of useful tips here. Thanks!

anglnwu 3 years ago

I must confess I need to read this. I'm guilty as charged and desperately need to clean out the digital mess in my computer. Thanks for sharing.

vespawoolf 3 years ago from Peru, South America

I do have a problem with digital clutter. My husband helps a lot--he's always decluttering my laptop--but I need to take control myself, as well. These are great suggestions and reminders to spend a little time each day to keep things in order. Thank you!

Nancy Owens 3 years ago from USA

I agree. I have too much digital clutter. :0 You have inspired me to keep whittling away at it.

RonElFran 2 years ago from Mechanicsburg, PA

I'm sure these tips are great - but I'm equally sure I'll never use them! One of my greatest comforts when I need to dig up long-unused information is the knowledge that "it's in there somewhere!". And delete an mp3 just because I haven't listened to it for a few years - or decades? I know beyond any doubt that within 24 hours of deleting it, I'll have an irresistible urge to hear that music again. Far from being a victim of digital clutter, I consider myself a digital curator. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Alise- Evon 2 years ago

Great hub. Sure is scary how quickly digital clutter can pile up. It's best to regularly trim down, and not let it get started to begin with, like you say throughout.

Viss 2 years ago from New Delhi, India

I give you a big LIKE for your efforts on this knowledgeable hub post.